Bringing expert artist tutors to Long House Studios

Our visiting artists combined with the beautiful Kentmere valley make Long House Studios a special place.

As a long standing member of Faculty at The Royal Drawing School in London, I have had the real pleasure, over the years, of working alongside other tutors. It is always such an inspiration to see how different artists can draw out the creativity in their students, opening their eyes to their own capabilities and to new possibilities, guiding them to notice something differently or approach something from a new angle. Often, by using different words, or starting from a different place, they can clearly explain a concept that I have been struggling to convey for months. And of course they also have fresh ideas, new passions, particular skills and knowledge which all adds to the richness of the learning encounter.

From the very beginning at Long House Studios I have been determined to replicate this breadth of teaching experience; something which is usually found in larger art schools, and let's face it, in cities. By tempting artist colleagues who I trained with at the Royal Academy, or taught with at The Royal Drawing School to beautiful Kentmere (not hard!) we are able to offer students the same opportunities of challenge and excellence as found in larger establishments. And, unsurprisingly, they (the visiting artists) have been delighted and inspired by the enthusiasm, freshness and receptive attitude of the Long House Studios students!

This summer we have three visiting tutors running their own courses. Each is an exceptional and internationally acclaimed artist as well as an exciting and inspiring teacher. Let me introduce them

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Nick Bush has been a visiting artist from the very beginning, and he is returning in July to teach the Summer Landscape Week (July 7-10th)

Nick is an amazing and sensitive teacher, able to gently encourage and challenge each individual to push themselves to go further and achieve more than they think they can. A highly accomplished painter, with a particular love of plein air painting, he is brilliant at getting students out into the landscape, paints and all, to respond directly to the view, the weather, the terrain and the experience of being outside. By the end of one of his courses, students invariably say that they feel much more confident about working outside and equipped with new knowledge about colour, composition and technique.

One of the students on the very first course Nick ran here wrote, 'Please pass on my thanks again to Nick whose quiet thoughtful support and guidance was superb.'

Nick also teaches at the prestigious West Dean College. We are lucky to have him!

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Julian Vilarrubi is a new tutor for Long House Studios this summer, although immensely experienced. He is coming to teach his course, The Figure in the Landscape (July 14 -18th).

Julian studied painting at Newcastle University and The Royal Academy Schools and is on the faculty at The Royal Drawing School. He has taught short courses extensively, including in Europe, and at The St Ive's School of Painting in Cornwall. He works both en plein air and in the studio and is particularly interested in how adding a figure to a landscape transforms it's possible meaning. Julian's teaching method is to tease out the 'possible', always aiming high, and encouraging each student to explore ideas through drawing and colour studies, helping them to discover the methods and approaches which will suit them and enable them to produce interesting and engaging results. Each day begins with clear objectives and helpful demonstrations, adding structure to the day's adventure.

A course with Julian will be an exciting journey of exploration, possibility and fun! You will go home with lots of new ideas and the impetus to continue.

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Sophie Knight is returning this year to teach the Watercolour Weekend in September (September 6-7th).

Sophie came last September to teach a Watercolour Workshop and inspired the students to work big and be bold. They produced astonishing, large watercolours, working wet into wet, creating depth and drama with dramatic tones and controlled accidents! As a teacher Sophie has the amazing capacity to give people the courage to dare to do things they would normally baulk at, and it is exciting to be part of this process. She works with each student individually, offering immediate advice as the watercolour morphs on the page, suggesting a little more pigment here or a little less water there. It's intense and exhilarating, but hugely rewarding.

Sophie also trained at The Royal Academy and teaches in London, running frequent courses for The Royal Watercolour Society as well as elsewhere, including at Buckingham Palace for the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations!

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There are still spaces on all of these courses, but not for long! Come and take advantage of this expertise combined with the blissful peace of the Kentmere Valley.